Hope is Great Expectancy
When our children marry and have families of their own, we may have to do some tweaking to adapt to their lifestyles and their way of doing things differently than what we did. So, rather than resisting the changes, I’ve decided to take hold of them and own them. I’ve become quite savvy at accepting change and doing my best to create moments right in the middle of it.
This year’s “usual” was to choose a particular word that resonated with me for my family’s Christmas gift. With both families, I squeezed in as many moments as I could to celebrate the birth of our Lord! Sorry, Santa, you don’t get top billing in these families!
In 2018 I started a new tradition of selecting a specific word that I used in an annual Christmas letter to everyone — children, grandchildren, and a few friends.
I knew my theme this year would be about HOPE that comes as a sweet way in expecting the best things to happen to us. I always write individualized words in the first paragraph of my letters, but then I take off on a tangent about the meaning of that special word!
This year’s message AFTER their personalized paragraph went like this:
“It is my Christmas WORD time. I love doing this. My personal letter to each of my children and grands. Since 2018, I’ve been creating a word message at Christmas. First, it was the CARDINAL which represents a departed loved one. Probably an old wives’ tale, but I use any excuse to think of your Dad/Papa. You know how much I miss him, and I know you do too. I really try to keep his memory alive, and it stays alive when we are enjoying each other, laughing, playing games, serving, loving, and worshipping God.
2018 was the Cardinal; 2019 was PEACE; 2020 was JOY; 2021 was the CROSS and 2022, is HOPE.
Your Dad/Papa always spoke of HOPE. He would declare “Hope is the exciting expectancy that something GOOD is about to happen to us!” It is NEVER GIVE UP, HOLD ON, PRAY and BELIEVE because something GOOD is about to happen. And, it has so many times – from healing us, guiding us to places and people, and orchestrating circumstances that only God could arrange.
DON’T EVER listen to those who say: “Don’t get your HOPE up!” We only listen to what God says and HE says: “Get your HOPE up!”
This year has presented a lot of ups and some downs, but it has also brought beautiful blessings. We can already get our HOPE up for the expectation of great adventures and unparalleled blessings up ahead in 2023.
And not only for ourselves, but we can be HOPE dealers to others who have lost their hope.
When I was in Cabo last July, I loved waking up early and going to watch the sun rise across the ocean. Each sunrise opened with great expectations for what this day would hold. On our last day, I headed to the big rock formations and became a model for myself.
I remembered how many in the Bible ran to THE ROCK (God) for protection. David, Elijah, Moses. I took photos and added this scripture that I hold dear. “Only God gives inner peace. I put my HOPE in Him. God is the mighty rock that keeps me safe. He is the fortress where I feel secure.” Psalm 62:5-6
I HOPE you will be reminded of HOPE. I HOPE we take on this word this year with great expectancy of so much good coming our way as we place our HOPE on the One WHO IS HOPE!
I love you so much.
Mom/Nana
And, today, my dear friends and family, I pass this word to you! SOMETHING GOOD is about to come your way! I decree and declare it, in Jesus’ mighty name!